Happy new year to all 14 of my loyal readers! I hope you behaved yourselves impeccably over the break and didn't eat yourself from a sleek wing into a lumbering second row over the space of two weeks.
D2 gets back into action this Saturday, while D3 continues to sit in the middle of their insane mid-season break. Will D3 players even remember the laws once they get back on the field in February? Questionable. Thanks, scheduler!
Posted on 1/8/2015 9:59:45 AM
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Happy new year to all 14 of my loyal readers! I hope you
behaved yourselves impeccably over the break and didn't eat yourself from a
sleek wing into a lumbering second row over the space of two weeks. D2 gets back into action this Saturday, while D3 continues
to sit in the middle of their insane mid-season break. Will D3 players even
remember the laws once they get back on the field in February? Questionable.
Thanks, scheduler! Mercifully, I've forgotten how poorly I did in my last
prediction column (1 for 3), but the results reaffirmed my early-season
prediction that this would be one of the most competitive seasons yet. You
could say at this point that any team could still win the title. Even last year's
semifinalists, Miami and Tampa, at 0-2 could still win it all with how close
most results have been so far. And please, don't forget to email me with any comments,
kudos or criticism at sidelinewhisperer@rugbyfl.com Division II Jacksonville (2-0) at Fort Lauderdale (1-1): My toes
are tingling about this super-intriguing matchup. Fort Lauderdale, last year's
state runners up, took care of the Tridents in the opening week, but then
stumbled on the road against Orlando to close out 2014. Jacksonville,
meanwhile, have been the surprise of the early season, producing outstanding
road wins over Tampa and Miami, two of last year's final four. The result of
this game could certainly have a big impact on the final standings in my
opinion, as I expect both teams to be in the mix as we approach the finish line
this spring. Are Jax the real deal? I have to say yes at this point based on
their first two results, but this matchup will be the toughest to date. The Knights
will be angry after losing to the Griffins and I think they'll have just enough
to edge what should be an enthralling contest. Fort Lauderdale 30,
Jacksonville 27 Boca Raton (2-0) at Naples (1-1): Another very
interesting game here, as Boca look to continue their unbeaten start to the
season, while the Hammerheads will be seeking to build on an impressive home
victory over Miami secured before the break. For some reason, thanks to another
bit of genius scheduling, this is already the second these teams will have met
this season. Boca won the first contest 29-7, but we all know better than to
read a whole lot into first games of the season. Still, I think the Buccaneers
bring home a third victory of the young season here, but not by much. Boca
Raton 27, Naples 22 Orlando (2-0) at Miami Tridents (0-2): Don't let the
records of these two teams fool you, as I have a feeling these two teams are
closer in talent than that. Orlando has beaten a winless Tampa on the road and
a reportedly shorthanded Fort Lauderdale at home in their first two games,
while the Tridents have lost to Boca and Fort Lauderdale. I'm hoping Orlando
makes this trip with a full compliment of talent, and makes me look good by
winning this contest. Orlando 24, Miami Tridents 19. Tampa (0-2) at Miami (0-2): If you wanted to bet with
me before the season that this game would feature two winless teams, I would
have given you some very nice odds. Krewe have lost at home to both
Jacksonville and Orlando, while Miami also lost to Jacksonville at home and
fell to Naples on the road. This rematch from last year's semifinals should be
a hard-hitting one with plenty to play for. Three losses could mean having to
run the table the rest of the way to make the playoffs, so expect some passion
and fireworks on the field. I will go with the Bumblebees at home in this one. Miami
24, Tampa 13 Click for Not Official (but still pretty good) results and standings for Mens Division II. For official results and standings visit the FRU website. Last Week: 1-2 This Season: 14-9-1 (58.3%) All Time: 115-43-1 (72.3%)
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